Apparatus for condensing fabrics



Sept} 0 F. CHATFIELD 2,522,663

APPARATUS FUR CONDENSING FABRICS File d June '7, 1948 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVHVTOR. FRANKLIN CHATFIEZD He. 4 l v Ar-ronusms Patented Sept. 19, 1950 arraaa'rus roa comansme FABRICS Franklin Chatiield, Minneapolis, Minn., assignor,

by mesne assignments, to trustees of the Redman Trust, New York, N. Y.

Application June 7, 1948, Serial No. 31,443

9 Claims. (01. za-ias) The present invention relates to an improved apparatus for condensing knitted fabrics in the direction of its wales, prior to fabricating garments out of the fabric, and whereby garments subsequently made from the condensed fabric are not likely to shrink when subsequently subjected to conventional washing operations.

Fabrics such as are frequently used in the manufacture of certain types of garments, particularly undergarments, are commonly knitted on cylinder type knitting machines whereby the fabric, when it leaves the knitting machine, is in the form of a continuous tube which is usually flattened and wound into a roll to facilitate handling. The yarns and'threads from which the fabric is knitted are, as is well known in the art, each composed of a multiplicity of fine strands or fibers which are inherently more or less kinky and wavy in their normal state, whereby the composite yarns and threads may be more or less condensed before being knit into fabric.

Because of the yarn being thus more or less condensed in its normal condition, when knitted into a fabric, the individual stitches of the fabric are expanded so that the resultant fabric may inherently be somewhat condensed as will be understood. The freshly knitted fabric is then usually processed which may include a series of treatments such as washing, steaming, dyeing, and dipping in various solutions for bleaching and otherwise preparing the fabric for subsequent use in the fabrication of garments.

To expediate the processing of the fabric, it is common practice to unite into one long continuous strip, several tubular sections of fabric as they are received from the knitting machines. This is usually accomplished by placing a plurality of fabric strips together in endwise relation and suitably stitching them together to provide a single continuous tubular blank which may be more expeditiously handled during the processing of the fabric than several independent relatively shorter, tubular sections.

During the processing of the fabric, the fabric strip becomes elongated because of the fabric being moved about from one tank or apparatus to another by various forms of lifting devices or reels which engage and bodily lift portions of the web from one tank to another while fully saturated with a processing solution. The processing liquid contained in the fabric may greatly add to the weight of the fabric and cause the individual stitches thereof to elongate, as the fabric is transferred from place to place during the processing period. Such elongation of the fabric strip makes it necessary to condense the fabric to restore its elongated stitches to their normal rounded or condensed shapes prior to converting the fabric into garments. Otherwise the resultant garments might shrink to such an extent, when subsequently laundered, that they would become unfit for further use.

Before the freshly processed fabric is condensed, it is usually necessary to transversely expand or spread the tubular fabric strip to separate the wales thereof from one another so as to provide adequate room for the elongated stitches of the fabric to readily expand transversely of the strip of fabric, when the fabric is subsequently condensed.

The spreading of the tubular strip or blank may be accomplished by passing the tubular strip of fabric over a suitable stretcher or spreader, located at the receiving end of the condensing apparatus. By thus outwardly spreading the fabric to separate the wales thereof, the individual stitches of the fabric may readily be laterally expanded to restore the fabric to the desired width and with the assurance the condensed fabric, when completed, and stretched in a lengthwise direction, will always return to its normal condensed condition, when the tension thereon is released.

The spreader may comprise a plurality of rollers and belts adapted to engage the tubular knitted fabric from within and transversely spread it to separate the wales thereof whereby the individual stitches of the fabric are expanded laterally in the operation of condensing the fabric longitudinally. The processed fabric is con densed a predetermined amount, and is then passed through a suitable dryer.

To thus condense the fabric whereby it is not likely to subsequently shrink, means is provided for condensing the processed fabric, usually while it is still moist from processing, and the present invention is particularly directed to a condensing apparatus adapted to be interposed between the spreader and the drier through which the web ,of fabric must pass before entering the drier.

In some instances the yarn may be processed and dyed before being knit into fabric, and in such cases the freshly knit fabric may not require processing before being fabricated into garments.

The novel apparatus herein disclosed subjects the fabric to a positive condensing action in a direction lengthwise of the web or wales of the fabric, thereby to permanently condense the fabric whereby it is not likely to shrink when subsequently fabricated into garments, and the like.

in turn delivers the condensed fabric to a drier 7 through which the condensed fabric is fed without pulling or tensioning any of the fibers thereof, whereby the fabric ultimately becomes thoroughly dried in a condensed state, in which condition the fabric will remain throughout manufacturing operations and thereby assuring that garments subsequently made from the fabric will not shrink when subjected to washing operations.

An important object of the present invention therefore is to provide an apparatus for condensing a strip of knitted fabric in a Wale-wise direction, thereby to restore the stitches of the fabric to their normal rounded or expanded shapesafter which the fabric is thoroughly dried while supported in a, fully relaxed, but condensed condition.

A further object of the invention is to provide and constructed that as the fabric is fed therebetween it will be condensed and relatively shortened in a direction lengthwise thereof.

' A further object is to provide an apparatus comprising a pair of coacting resilient endless belts having their peripheries normally disposed in contacting relation and between which a strip of fabric may be continuously fed, said, elements engaging the fabric from opposite sides of the full width thereof with sumcient pressure to cause elongation of the peripheral portions of said resilient elements initially engaging the fabric, the elongated peripheral portions of-said resilient members being restored to their normal contracted conditions as they approach the point of maximum pressure between the belt supporting rollers at the receiving end of the apparatus, such restoration of the elongated peripheral portions of said resilient belts causing the fabric supported therebetween to become so condensed that the resultant fabric may subsequently be subjected to conventional manufacturing and washing operations without shortening or shrinking.

A further and more specific object is to provide an apparatus of the class described comprising complemental pairs of rollers, the rollers at the receiving end of the apparatus being power driven, and a pair of resilient readily compressible endless belts of substantial thickness being supported on said pairs of rollers with adjacent conveyed towards the discharge end of the apparatus by said coacting belt runs, from whence the fabric in its condensed condition, is delivered onto a suitable receiving means, which in turn is arranged to deliver the condensed moist fabric to a suitable drier for the removal of excess moisture from the fabric and whereby the fabric'becomes permanently set in its condensed condition, to thereby prevent the fabric from subsequently shrinking.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the class described, wherein the condensing action on the fabric is accomplished by the continual elongation and shortening of the contacting peripheral portions of a pair of resilient endless belts. as the elongated processed fabric is fed between the coacting ends of said belts.

Other objects of the invention reside in the novel mounting of the belt supporting rollers whereby they may readily be adjusted to vary the condensing action of the coacting belt runs on the fabric; in the meansjprovidedfor readily varying th tension in the resilient belts; and in the provision of a simple and inexpensive fabric condenser which embodies a minimum of parts, and which is not dependent upon'the services of an experienced operator for its operation.

These and other objects of the invention and the means for their attainment will be more apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In the accompanying drawings there has been disclosed a structure designed to carry out the various objects of the invention, but it is to be understood that the invention is not confined to the exact features shown, as various changes may be made within the scope "ofthe claims which follow.

In the drawings: I I

Figure 1 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the receiving end of the apparatus showing peripheral portions of the coacting belt runs disdrive rollers;

Figure 2 is a view illustrating in longitudinal section the relationship between the coacting runs disposed in fabric receiving and condensing relation at the receiving end of the apparatus, the drive rollers being so positioned with respect to one another as to compress the coacting belt runs therebetween, whereby the peripheral portions of said belt runs continually moving into fabric feeding relation with one another are outwardly bulged and elongated as they continually belt runs between which the fabric is fed to be condensed in a walewise direction;

. Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the apparatus showing the means for varying the condensing action of the belts on the fabric; and

' also for tensioning the belts; and

Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a condenser of slightly modified construction.

In the selected embodiment of the invention herein disclosed there is illustrated in Figure 1, for purposes of disclosure, a pair of drive rollers 2 and 3, operatively connected together for simultaneous dperation in opposite directions by suitable means, not shown in the drawings. The rollers 2 and 3 are shown mounted on shafts 4 and 5, respectively, joumaled in brackets Band 1 pivoted to upright frame members 8 by pivots 9. The upright frame members 8 may be secured to a suitable base, generally designated by the numeral II.

A pair of idler rollers l2 and [3 are provided at the opposite or discharge end of the apparatus and may be secured to shafts l4 and I5, respectively. Theshafts i4 and I5 are shown journaled in brackets IS and I1, similar to the brackare shown pivotally supported on upright rrame end of the apparatus. The-brackets l6 and I1 members l8 by suitable pivots IS. The frame members l8 so that relative movement of the I resides in the unique construction and arrangement of the endless belts 26 and 21. These belts are made of a highly resilient and readily compressible material, such as rubber, which may readily be compressed between the drive rollers 2 and 3, as shown in Figure 1, to thereby cause the peripheral portions of the belts 26 and 2'| between points A and B to continually elongate, and simultaneously the peripheral belt portions between points B and C are continually shortening and being restored to their contracted conditions because of the inherent characteristics of the compressed rubber belts. It is this continuous elongation and contraction of the belt runs between points A and C which condenses and shortens the fabric in a Wale-wise direction, as

is seated. The opposite end of the spring is seated against the lug orprojection 36 of bracket I. The spring 46 has sumcient tension to prevent spreading of the drive rollers 2 and 3 under it is fed through the apparatus by the co-acting belt runs 28 and 23.

To obtain the necessary condensing action of the belts 26 and 21 upon the fabric, the belts are made comparatively thick, cross-sectionally, in order to provide ample resiliency and flexibility of the material from which the belts are made at the point of maximum pressure between the power driven rollers 2 and 3. These rollers are so adjusted with respect to one another that the shortest distance between the peripheries of the drive rollers 2 and 3 is relatively less than the combined thicknesses of the belt runs 28 and 23, whereby the coactin-g belt runs are compressed between the drive rollers 2 and 3, as hereinbefore described.

To thus vary the spacing between the drive rollers 2 and 3, the bearing brackets 6 and I are shown provided with longitudinally extending lugs or projections 34 and 35, respectively, having adjusting screws 36 and 31 mounted therein. The adjusting screw 36 has its lower terminal positioned to engage the head 36 of the adjusting screw 31, whereby the adjusting screws 36 and 31 cooperate to limitmovement of the drive rollers 2 and 3 towards one another. A tension bolt 33 is shown mounted in suitable apertures provided in the projections 34, and 35 of the bearing brackets 6 and I, and the lower end of the bolt 33 is provided with a suitable nut 42, shown seated against lug or projection 35 of the bracket I.

The opposite end of the bolt 33 has a head 44 against which one end of a suitable spring 46 normal operating conditions. However, in an emergency, the spring 65 may yield and permit the drive rollers 2 and 3 to relatively r'n'ov'e apart from one another as will be understood.

The bearing brackets i6 and I! are shown provided with similar projections 46 and 41, in which adjusting screws 48 and 43 are mounted as illustrated in Figure 3. The heads iii of the adjusting screws 48 and 43 are adapted to contact one another to thereby limit movement of the idler rollers I 2 and I3 towards each other,

as will be understood. During normal operation oi the apparatus, the drive rollers 2 and 3 are adjusted so as to compress the belts sufnciently therebetween to cause the peripheral portions A--B of the belts to become elongated as a result of the pressure thus exerted upon the belts.

To aflord a, clearer explanation of the operation of the'apparatus the peripheries .of the belts 26 and 21 are shown divided into a plurality of segments by a plurality of radial lines 11. The vertical line M-N intersects the axes of the drive'rollers 2 and 3 and also the point of maximum pressure upon the belt runs 28 and 23, as will be understood by reference to Figure 1. From point 52 on line M-N and downwardly around the circumi'erence of the upper belt 26 to point 53, the spacing between the radial lines 11 is uniform, and the periphery of the belt is substantially in its normal condition. But from point 53 to point A, the periphery of the belt 26 becomes increasingly elongated in a downward direction, because of .is in normal condition, but from point 55 to point A the periphery of belt 21 becomes increasingly elongated in an upward direction, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 1.

If the drive rollers 2 and 3 were so adjusted with respect to one another that the belt runs 26 and 23 were not compressed or squeezed between the rollers 2' and 3, the peripheral portions of the belts between all radial lines y around the peripheries of, the two belts would be uniform. With the drive rollers so positioned, no condensing action would be imparted to the fabric, when fed between the two belts, because there would be no elongation and shortening of the peripheries of the two belts between points A and C along the path of travel of the fabric. The belts 26 and 21, as hereinbefore stated, are made of a highly elastic and readily compressible resilient material such as rubber. Actual operation of the apparatus has shown that belts approximately one inch thick in cross-section, adequately serve the purpose. It is to be understood however, that belts of any desired thickness may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention.

To prepare the apparatus for condensing fabric, the drive rollers 2 and 3 are relatively adjusted with respect to one another by means of the adjusting bolts 39, and the adjusting screws 36 and 31. until the peripheral portions A-B of the belts are elongated enough to provide the desired condensation of the fabric as it passes from B to C where the belt peripheries progressively shorten. When so adjusted, the coacting belt runs 28 and 7 29 will effectively and efficiently condense the moist knitted fabric as it is fed between the coacting belt runs. The actual condensing of the fabric commences as soon as the fabric enters between the coacting belt runs 23 and 29 at point A, and as the fabric advances from point A to point B, it is gradually condensed as a result of the elongated portions A-B of the belt peripheries becoming contracted and shortened, as indicated between B and C in Figure 1. Thus, as the fabric is continuously fed between the belt runs 28 and 29, it is condensed between A and C and is retained in such condition by the belt runs 23 and 29 through the length of the condensing apparatus, as will be noted by reference to Figures 1 and 2.

In other words, the actual condensing of the fabric takes place between points A and C. The belt runs 28 and 29 return to their normal conditions and thicknesses as they leave point C, and in which condition they convey the condensed fabric to the discharge end of the apparatus for delivery onto a suitable receiving means, not shown.

The degree of fabric condensing may be varied as desired by relatively changing the positions of the drive rollers 2 and 3 with respect to one another. In other words, by exerting greater pressure uponthe belt runs 28 and 29 between the drive rollers 2 and 3, greater elongation of the belt peripheries is obtained between A and B, and the condensing action of the belts upon the fabric is correspondingly increased. If the fabric is to be less condensed, the spacing between the drive rollers 2 and 3 is increased to lessen the v compressive force exerted upon the belt'runs.

It will thus be seen that the operation of the apparatus is extremely simple, and that the condensing action of the belts upon the fabric is variable by simply adjusting the relationship between the drive rollers 2 and 3, which may readily be accomplished while the machine is in operation.

In Figure 4 there is illustrated an apparatus of slightly different construction comprising a pair of drive rollers 56 and 51 mounted for simultaneous rotation in opposite directions, as indicated by the arrows. Suitable means, not shown, is provided for relatively adjusting the rollers 56 and 51 relative to one another. A pair of idler rollers 58 and 59 may be rotatably supported on suitable shafts 6i and 62, respectively. The rollers 58 and 59 are spaced apart as shown, and cooperate with the drive rollers 56 and 51, and a pair of idler rollers 63 and 64, to support a pair of endless resilient belts 65 and 66, similar to the belts shown in the previous figures.

In the form shown in Figure 4, the coacting belt runs 61 and 68 are compressed between the drive rollers 56 and 51, whereby the peripheral rtions 69 and II thereof are elongated and contracted in a manner similar to the belts in the previous figures.

In the operation of the novel apparatus herein disclosed, the feed rollers 2 and 3 are so adjusted with respect to each other as to compress the coacting belt runs 28 and 29 therebetween to an extent which will cause the contacting peripheral portions A-B of the belt runs 28 and 29 to become elongated,'as clearly illustrated in Figure 1. As the fabric enters between the peripheries of the coacting belt runs 28 and 29 at A, it advances simultaneously with the elongated peripheral portions A--B of the belts, and is thereby condensed as the elongated belt portions A-B are contracted and restored to their contracted conditions, as shown at B-C in Figure 1.

From point C, the condensed fabric is carried along by the peripheries of the coacting belt runs 28 and 29 until discharged therefrom at the o posite end of the apparatus. The idler rollers 2 and I3 at the discharge end of the apparatus are so adjusted with respectto one another that the web of fabric is not compressed between the belt runs immediately following its passage from point C. The belt runs from point C to the discharge end of the apparatus .merely support the condensed web of fabric to allow the stitches thereof to become more or less set, in which condition the web is delivered onto a suitable elevator or other receiving means for feeding it from the condenser into the receiving end of a suitable drier; as hereinbefore stated.

The belts 26 and 21 may in some instances be provided with an inner non-stretchable fabric facing 12 to minimize elongation or stretching of the belts. The idler rollers l2 and I3 at the discharge end of the apparatus may also be slightly crowned. if necessary to cause the belts to operate in a given plane, or, if desired, other means may be provided for retaining the belts in proper relation with respect to each other.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that I have accomplished at least the principal objects of my invention, and it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments herein described may be variously changed and modified without departing from the spirit of the invention, and that the invention is capable of uses and has advantages not herein specifically described; hence it will be appreciated that the herein disclosed embodiments are illustrative only, and that my invention is not limited thereto.

I claim as my invention:

1. In an apparatus for condensing fabric, a pair of readily compressible resilient elements having portions of their peripheries disposed in fabric feeding relation, and means whereby the fabric feeding portions of said elements are compressed to cause the peripheral portions of said elements continually moving into fabric feeding engagement with the fabric to elongate and thereafter shorten, whereby fabric fed between said elements is condensed in a lengthwise direction by the contraction of the elongated peripheral portions of said elements, as said elongated peripheral portions are restored to their normal contracted conditions. i

2. In an apparatus for condensing textile fabrics, a pair of readily compressible resilient endless elements having portions of their peripheries disposed in fabric feeding relation, means whereby the fabric feeding portions of said elements may be compressed to cause the peripheral portions of said elements initially engaging the fabric to become elongated, after which said elongated element portions progressively shorten in the direction of fabric travel, whereby the fabric fed between said elements is condensed and shortened in a Wale-wise direction by the contraction of the elongated peripheral portions of said elements, and means for temporarily retaining the fabric in condensed condition.

3. In an apparetusfor condensing knitted fabrics, a supporting structure, a pair of power driven rollers at the receiving end of said structure and a pair of idler rollers at the opposite end of the structure, a. pair of endless belts carried by said rollers and having their adjacent runs disposed in fabric feeding relation, said belts being composed of a highly resilient and readily compressible material, means for relatively adjusting the power driven rollers with respect to one another to vary the compression of the coacting belt runs therebetween whereby portions of the pethereby causing the fabric to become correspondingly condensed and shortened in a Wale-wise direction, to thereby prevent subsequent shrinkage or shortening of the fabric.

4. In an apparatus for condensing fabric, a-supporting structure, a pair of power driven rollers at the receiving end of said structure and a pair of idler rollers at the opposite end of the structure, a pair of endless belts carried by said rollers and having their adjacent runs disposed in fabric feeding relation, said belts being composed of a highly resilient material and being comparatively thick in cross-section whereby the fabric feeding portions of said belts may readily be compressed,

means for relatively adjusting the power driven rollers with respect to one another to vary the compression of the co-acting belt runs therebetween whereby portions of the peripheries of said belts become elongated as they initially engage the fabric, and said elongated belt-peripheries gradually contracting as they advance between the drive rollers with the fabric supported therebetween, thereby causing the fabric to become correspondingly condensed and shortened in a Wale-wise direction to thereby prevent subsequent shrinkage or shortening of the fabric, and means whereby the elongation of the peripheral portions of said belts may be varied to thereby vary the condensing of the fabric.

5. In an apparatus for condensing fabrics, a pair of drive rollers at the receiving end of the apparatus geared together for simultaneous operation in opposite directions, said rollers being horizontally disposed and arranged one over the other, a second pair of rollers adjacent the discharge end of the apparatus, a pair of endless belts mounted respectively on the upper and lower rollers of said pairs of rollers, said belts being composed of a highly resilient compressible material and having adjacent'runs disposed in fabric v feeding relation at the receiving end of the apparatus, said belts being compressed between the rollers at the receiving end of the apparatus whereby the fabric feeding portions of said belt runs are reduced in thickness cross-sectionally,

. as they pass between said drive rollers, thereby is contracted and condensed so that it is not likely to stretch and elongate when subsequently converted into garments.

6. In an apparatus for condensing knitted fabric, a supporting structure, a pair of drive rollers, at the receiving end of the structure, a pair of complemental rollers at the discharge end of the apparatus, endless rubber-like belts mounted on said drive and complemental rollers with adjacent runs disposed in fabric feeding relation, said belts being composed of a resilient and compressible material and being comparatively thick in cross-section, means for varying the spacing between the drive rollers whereby the adjacent belt runs passing therebetween are compressed to l0 cause the peripheries of said belts to outwardly bulge and elongate as they move into feeding engagement with the fabric, said elongated peripheral belt portions continuously-being restored to their normal contracted conditions as they leave the feed rollers, such elongation and shortening of the peripheries of the belt runs as they engage and feed the fabric between the feed rollers causing the individual stitches of the fabric to be condensed in a Wale-wise direction, whereby I the composite fabric is condensed and shortened to minimize subsequent shrinkage thereof.

' 7. In an apparatus for condensing fabric, a

pair of drive rollers at the receiving end of the apparatus, a pair of idler rollers at the discharge 7 end thereof, a'second pair of idler rollers disposed forwardly of the drive rollers and spaced relatively farther apart, a pair of endless readily compressible rubber belts mounted on said rollers with adjacent runs disposed in fabric receiving relation, the portions of the belt runs between the drive rollers and the foremost rollers being disposed in opposed angular relation to the travel path of the fabric and cooperating to guide the fabric between the drive rollers, and means for moving the drive rollers into squeezing engagement with the coacting belt runs thereby to cause the peripheries of said belts to outwardly bulge in the direction of the approaching fabric, whereby the portions of the belt runs disposed between the drive rollers will be elongated at the point .of initial contact of the fabric therewith, said elongated belt periphery portions contracting as they advance and pass between the drive rollers, whereby the fabric supported therebetween is condensed and shortened in a direction lengthwise of the fabric.

8. In an apparatus for condensing textile fabrics, a pair of endless belts composed of a highly resilient and readily compressible material and having their inner surfaces faced with a nonstretchable facing to prevent elongation of said initially engage one another and the fabric, causing said peripheral belt portions to increase the traveling speed of the fabric between its initial point of contact with the belts and the point of greatest compression of saidbelt runs by said rollers, whereby the fabric is condensed in a lengthwise direction, in which condition the fabric is temporarily retained bythe remaining portions of said belt runs,

9. In an apparatus for condensing textile fabrics, a pair of endless belts composed of a highly.

bulge and elongate at the initial point of contact of said belt runs with one another, such outward bulging and elongation of the peripheral belt portions at the point where they initially engage one another and the fabric causing said peripheral belt portions to increase the traveling speed of the fabric between its initial point of contact i with the belts and the point of greatest compression of said belt runs by said rollers, whereby the fabric is condensed in a lengthwise direction, in which condition the fabric is temporarily retained by the remaining portions of said belt runs.

FRANKLIN CHATFIEID.

. 12 REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the die of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,078,721 Scanlon Apr. 27, 1937 2,078,904 Cluett Apr, 27, 1937 2,148,694 Wrigley et a1. Feb. 7, 1939 2,282,268 Chatfleid Nov. 11. 1941 2,283,712 Wrigley et al Nov. 25, 1941 

